parkrun in the Loddon Campaspe region

Thinking about getting active, but not sure where to start? parkrun might be just the thing for you. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, looking for a social way to stay fit, or just want to enjoy a stroll in the fresh air, parkrun is all about making movement fun, inclusive and accessible.

To learn more, we spoke to Greg Leslie, Event Ambassador at parkrun and asked how it works, and what it is that keeps people coming back week after week.

What is parkrun and how does it work?

parkrun is a free, volunteer run, 5 kilometre timed walk, jog or run that takes place every Saturday at the same location and same time.
parkrun is a global movement that started in the UK in 2004 and has now grown to more than 2,500 events worldwide spanning 25 countries and has in excess of 9 million registered participants. Australia has around 530 parkrun events, with that number growing steadily.
parkrun's enduring philosophy is "free, for everyone, forever". parkrun is not a race; it is about promoting healthy lives through active and social participation outdoors - it values volunteering and inclusivity as its strongest attributes.

What are the benefits of parkrun?

Apart from fitness and health related benefits, parkrun is highly effective in bringing communities together. It is a safe place for people to meet and for many it is a highlight of their week, especially the post event coffee.
There are many instances of people who previously would never have considered themselves runners, going on to become serious and successful athletes. Equally, there are many who would have felt anxious at the thought of public speaking who now regularly take on front line volunteer roles as a result of their parkrun experience.
Another benefit is that once you are registered (remember, that's free), you can participate in a parkrun anywhere you find yourself in the world (provided there's a parkrun set up there). Many people use parkrun as a way to travel and experience new places.

What are your favourite parkrun experiences?

My favourite parkrun would be Weedon Island Preserve parkrun in Tampa, Florida; the course was on a boardwalk through everglades with signage warning of Crocodiles. It was my first international parkrun and was a very special event.
In Australia, I'm going to be biased and give a shout out to Mildura Weir parkrun. I helped get that one established in 2019, the course along the Murray River is beautiful and the community incredibly welcoming.
I really enjoy Castlemaine parkrun with three beautiful laps of the Botanic Gardens; I did this one in Autumn and with the falling leaves and dewy mist it was spectacular.
Another beautiful, though tough, parkrun is Maroondah Dam, it's an out and back course that feels like it has never-ending climbs in both directions, but the views are worth it!
I could honestly write a book of my favourite parkrun stories, it feels like no matter where I go to parkrun, I bump into someone I know, or at least a friend of a friend. I make new friends every week thanks to parkrun. One that springs to mind though involves complete strangers. When we were in Malaysia earlier this year, we trekked out to visit its one and only parkrun at Putrajaya, Presint 18. As we walked to the start line, a couple walked up to us and asked if we were going to parkrun. They were a local couple who had never participated in parkrun before. We were able to tell them what to expect, how it all worked and share their very first parkrun. Of course we're Strava friends now, and I get great joy in seeing them show up every Saturday in my feed.

A few last words

Where do I start? Just come along and try it! I have been lucky to be involved in helping establish a fantastic new parkrun at Pyramid Hill recently and have visited all of the events in the Loddon Campaspe region. We look forward to bringing another new parkrun to the Greater Bendigo region soon.

Ready to give it a go? Whether you’re there to move, volunteer, connect, or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s a place for you at parkrun. With events happening across the Loddon Campaspe region and new ones popping up, like the recently launched Pyramid Hill parkrun, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

October 2025 Expert Article

Running